Aerial hydromulching for most of the foothill areas burned during the Gap Fire has been completed—ahead of schedule and on budget, Santa Barbara County Public Works Department officials announced on Oct. 17. On Oct. 7, the county began its portion of aerial hydromulching work for approximately 1,000 acres of land burned by the Gap Fire […]
Santa Barbara County completes hydromulching ahead of schedule
Posted inNews
Lompoc residents question bringing ‘God’ to city hall
It’s been three weeks since the Lompoc City Council voted in favor of displaying the words “In God We Trust” in City Council chambers and the city hall lobby. Approved by a 4-1 vote, with councilmember Ann Ruhge dissenting, the decision sparked some controversy when it was announced on Oct. 7. And the decision is […]
Posted inNews
Three men race for a Santa Maria City Council seat
Two longtime members of the Santa Maria City Council —Leo Trujillo and Bob Orach—are up for election in November. They’ll be joined on the ballot by a newcomer, not to the city of Santa Maria, but to elected office: Santa Maria Police Lt. Mike Cordero. With two spots open and three men in the […]
Posted inNews
Lompoc faces a lot of choices for City Council
Come Nov. 4, Lompoc residents will have a long list of candidates to choose from to fill three spots on the Lompoc City Council. This year, longtime Mayor Dick DeWees is up for reelection and is being challenged by Dulcie Sinn and John Linn. Sinn worked for seven years as the city’s former Family Resource […]
Posted inFood & Drink
A dream come true
Community spirit runs deep among Santa Barbara County winemakers, a convivial bunch of science-minded artists who universally appreciate their lucky lifestyle. When asked, they rarely hesitate to lend a helping hand, whether the request involves equipment loans, technical advice, or donations to a worthy cause. This year, seven area winemakers have joined People Helping People, […]
Posted inOpinion
Garbage in is garbage out
Shame on you! I cannot believe you actually printed that vulgar response in your question of the week about your favorite drink (“Streetwise” Oct. 2). A local paper, about local events, and local people. That is a poor representation of an “All America City.” I am too proud of our town to read that garbage. […]
Posted inOpinion
Thank you, Dick DeWees
During the last 10 years, I have had the privilege of working closely with Lompoc Mayor Dick DeWees. In my position as 4th District Supervisor, I serve on numerous committees with Mayor DeWees. He brings a great sense of presence to any table or boardroom. He uses his considerable leadership skills to generate support and […]
Posted inOpinion
This is not a time for leadership change in Lompoc
There seems to be a lot of misinformation, half-truths, and negativity floating around in this election season. I’ve lived in the Lompoc Valley for the last 30 years, and it seems to me that we have fared pretty well over the last 10 years. We have much-needed new recreation facilities for our young people, such […]
Posted inOpinion
Jed Beebe is the only qualified choice
After reading some of the recent letters to the editor in support of John MacKinnon, I’ve realized some people are under the misconception that since he is a D.A., he will extend his prosecuting of cases, if elected, by “making people accountable from the bench.” You could not be further from the truth. The positions […]
Posted inOpinion
Give us Jed Beebe
I have been a court stenographer (court reporter) for the past 32 years, 14 of them as an employee of the County of Santa Barbara. I was the official court reporter on the Michael Jackson criminal trial presided over by the Honorable Rodney S. Melville in Santa Maria in 2005. I say that not to […]
Posted inOpinion
Join the Committee to Elect Jed Beebe
I am one of the 16 members of the “Committee to Elect Jed Beebe.” In recent weeks, we have all worked extremely hard to get Jed elected to be the next Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge. If you see all of Jed’s red signs out, it’s this committee that has accomplished this. One usually […]
Posted inOpinion
MacKinnon deserves your vote for judge
Retired Justice Sandra Day O’Connor speaks about the important characteristics of a good judge: wisdom, humility, conscientiousness, competence, and high ethics. Attorneys like me have a responsibility to speak out and support the elevation of members of the bar to the bench who demonstrate these important characteristics. We have an opportunity in November to place […]